I’ve just returned from another amazing Mending Hearts divorce & grief retreat in Portugal. I got to know some wonderful new women, and five of my previous attendees also joined – who I now consider my frequent flyers. The weather was perfect: warm and sunny, just what you need when you are healing with a group of strangers.
No one had any idea how impactful the week would be when we gathered in the stunning Portuguese countryside of Sesimbra on the 5th September. Although, that’s not quite true, as I’ve done these healing retreats long enough to know how effective they are. Yet it still amazes me to see how, after just five days, these retreats can be so powerful and make such a huge positive impact on people's lives. Still, it was more than just a trip away; it was a life-changing event that enabled every participant to gain perspective, mend their emotional scars, and re-establish their connections.
One of the things we always emphasise in our divorce and grief retreats is the importance of removing yourself from the hustle and chaos of daily life. Being in a new environment gives you the opportunity to step back and look at your life with fresh eyes. This was especially true in Portugal, where the serene surroundings and mindful activities encouraged deep reflection and breakthroughs.
The Beauty of Portugal: A Perfect Setting for Healing
Our Portugal retreat took place at the stunning venue Casa do Frade surrounded by a beautiful pine forest and peaceful gardens. During the day, we would hear the native birds, and at night, the local owls – the kind of tranquillity you only find in nature. For me, this is heaven and the perfect setting to help relax the group. The setting itself was incredibly healing, providing each guest with the space and calm needed to reflect on their own experiences with divorce, grief, and loss.
A Day Trip to Lisbon: Gaining a New Perspective
Every day was special, and it was wonderful to see how the group became closer and stronger over the days. One of the most memorable moments of the retreat was our day trip to Lisbon. Travelling through the vibrant, historical streets on a Tuk-Tuk, soaking in the culture, and admiring the stunning views helped everyone step out of their comfort zones and gain a broader perspective on life, and at the same to regaining their confidence to travel independently once again.
Often, when we go through significant life changes like divorce or loss, we feel stuck in our emotions or daily routines. Getting away from our usual surroundings – even for just a day – allowed our guests to reflect more clearly on their lives, understanding what they needed to do to rebuild and move forward with their lives.
Healing Through Distance: Finding Clarity and Strength
Throughout the retreat, one theme kept coming up: the power of distance. Whether it was physical distance from home or emotional distance from past pain, the time away gave each person the clarity they had been searching for. Many found that stepping away from their usual surroundings helped them take an honest look at their lives and begin rebuilding with a new sense of purpose.
This is what makes our divorce and grief retreats so unique. They’re not just about getting away – they’re about creating space to heal, reflect, and reconnect with yourself in a meaningful way. Each attendee left Portugal feeling more empowered, focused, and ready to take the next steps towards healing and personal growth.
Join Us for Our Next Healing Retreat in Morocco – 9–15 May 2025
If you’re reading this and feel drawn to experience a retreat for yourself, I would love to invite you to our next healing retreat in Morocco, taking place in May 2025. Morocco is a place of incredible beauty and spiritual energy, making it the perfect setting for our next divorce and grief retreat.
Imagine yourself in the heart of Morocco, surrounded by the vibrant colours of the souks, the calm of the desert, and the richness of the local culture. Our retreats are designed to help you heal from divorce, grief, or any significant life transition, while also offering a chance to reconnect with yourself in an environment that inspires growth and transformation.
Why Morocco?
It will be our third retreat in Morocco at the beautiful El Goute Villa, just 30 minutes outside Marrakech. Our Morocco retreat will combine the power of travel with a focus on personal healing. Like Portugal, Morocco offers the perfect backdrop for deep reflection, self-discovery, and renewal. You'll experience guided sessions, personal reflection time, and the opportunity to connect with others who are on similar journeys. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a fresh perspective on your life and the tools to move forward with strength and confidence.
Whether you’re seeking healing after a divorce, coping with grief, or simply looking to reconnect with yourself, our retreat in Morocco will provide the space, support, and inspiration you need to move forward.
Secure Your Spot for Our Next Retreat in Morocco 9-15 May 2025 Retreat
What’s in store for us in Morocco will be nothing short of transformational. Spaces for this experience are limited in fact we only have 3 spaces left, and we anticipate filling up quickly. If you’re ready to embark on a healing journey, I encourage you to secure your spot early and take the first step towards personal growth and to start enjoying your life.
For more information on reserving a place email gilly@mendingheartsretreat.com
Commentaires